Gift of reading: It takes a community sometimes to give others a hand up

Imagine what it would be like not to be able to read. Think about having to rely on someone else to tell you what you were signing, or to not be able to share a story with your grandchild.

For more people than you think in Wayne County, that is a reality.

Literacy Connections is trying to change that, one person at a time.

The idea is to offer a place for adults to come to learn to read or to better their skills.

Volunteer tutors share their time and effort as they help local residents start over. Practice time is available in a safe and non-threatening environment.

Their stories are heartbreaking at first, and then inspiring, but always a wakeup call to the need that exists right here at home.

This weekend, Literacy Connections is sponsoring an event, Reading Between the Wines, to raise funds to provide literacy education for more county adults.

The focus of the event will be presentations by several authors, including Margaret Maron, as well as a chance to enjoy refreshments.

Proceeds will go toward buying more materials to introduce more adults to the joy of reading.

There is still time to be part of the event. Call 919-735-1990 to reserve your ticket.

It will be a fun evening and it will give you a chance to change a life or two, right here at home.

Published in Editorials on September 4, 2012 10:19 AM